Alfuzosin and Blocked Nose

[FindingCaradoc]

Hi - this is my first post on Men's Health Forum (although I have posted on other HUL forums about other health matters that effect me). I have had symptoms of prostate enlargement for years and recently was checked out again, including having an MRI scan. The Urologist has confirmed that my prostate enlargement is benign with a volume of 105 cc (so fairly large). The recommendation is that I try an alpha blocker and then add a 5-ARI. Having looked at the possible side effects profile of the various options I agreed with my GP to try Alfuzosin first (the once a day option) and I have been doing so for 5 days so far (in the evening).

The trouble is that is has given me dreadful cold like symptoms, in particular a blocked nose, and I am having trouble sleeping. I am thinking initially of taking it in the morning instead, but if that doesn't help with sleeping then I may have to stop taking it before getting any beneficial effects (I haven't noticed any so far). I will try and speak to my GP first, or at least as soon as possible of course, to see what he thinks and whether it is worth trying a different Alphablocker such as Tamsulosin (although I see that can also give nasal symptoms).

Is there anyone who has had a similar experience? I would be interested if you persevered and if the blocked nose symptoms improved and went away (and after how long?). Also if you stopped taking Alfuzsosin how long did it take for the side effect symptoms to go away? Thank you.

[xsevenx]

I too have BPH. I’ve been taking tamsulosin for around 4 years now. My nose is occasionally mildly stuffy no more than that. I also have some trouble sleeping and I suspect the drug is contributing to this. Nonetheless, my symptoms are markedly improved, so I am happy to continue with it. I don’t like the alternative testosterone blocking alternatives. Their side effect profile is equally bad albeit in different ways.

I’d recommend asking your GP to swap to tamsulosin and see how you get on.

[FindingCaradoc in reply to xsevenx]

Thanks for your reply. As I said I will be speaking to my GP with a view to trying a different alphablocker, such as Tamsulosin, which hopefully will not cause such significant nasal side effects as I have been getting with Alfuzosin (albeit is more likely to effect sexual function I believe).

This is all new to me, so I was not sure what you meant by testosterone blocking alternatives, but from a quick Google I see that this applies to the 5-ARI class of drugs such as Finasteride. My understanding (from the Urologist I saw) is that the 5-ARI drugs (which I understand can shrink the prostate) are often taken to compliment/supplement the alphablocker drugs which improve flow, rather than as an alternative? Having said that presumably you can take a 5-ARH on its own....

[xsevenx in reply to FindingCaradoc]

I believe you can. I was offered the choice or tamsulosin or finasteride. Finasteride can take six months to have a noticeable effect on symptoms I found tamsulosin worked in just a few days

There is another option. In the UK, low dose (5mg) tadalafil/cialis is also approved for BPH. You may like its side effect profile! 🤣

[FindingCaradoc in reply to xsevenx]

Or I may not from your reaction 😂 - I’ll look those up - thanks for your help

[Chapdog]

I tried three alpha blockers and had a bad reaction to all three.

Interestingly different symptoms to yours.

I felt lightheaded and generally weird almost straight away.

The bad reaction took only a couple of days to wear off after I stopped taking them.

I’m now on the waiting list to see a urologist for potential surgery.

[FindingCaradoc in reply to Chapdog]

Thanks for your reply. How long did you persevere with each drug? Only I understand (hope!) that sometimes side effects can pass as your body gets used to the medication….

Also was it suggested that you try a 5-ARI such as Finasteride without an alphablocker? I believe that may be an option, although of course they have possible side effects as well!

I’m already on enough medication due to heart problems, so I was always in two minds about yet more, but I thought I’d give it a go before going down the surgery route, and really want it to help, so I’ll persevere for a while and then speak to my GP about trying a different type in the hope I get on with one better!

Best of luck with getting yourself sorted.

[Azymuth]

Hi... I use tamsulosin mornings.. and no nasal issues.

[FindingCaradoc in reply to Azymuth]

Thanks. I may try Tamsulosin if I decide to give up on Alfuzosin.